Matthew E. Valnoski, the son of Rick Valnoski of Allentown, has graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) Leader’s Development and Assessment Course, also known as “Operation Warrior Forge,” at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash. The 32-day training provides professional training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of military life, administration and logistical support. Although continued military training and leadership development is included in the curriculum, the primary focus of the course is to develop and evaluate each cadet’s officer potential as a leader by exercising the cadet’s intelligence, common sense, ingenuity and physical stamina. The cadet command assesses each cadet’s performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while attending the course.
Cadets in their junior and senior year of college must complete the leadership development course. Upon successful completion of the course, the ROTC program, and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, National Guard or Reserve.
Valnoski, a 2006 graduate of Allentown High School, is a student at Norwich University, Vt.
Coast Guard Seaman Recruit Dillon M. Schild, a 2009 graduate of Allentown High School, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May.
During the eight-week training program, Schild completed a training curriculum consisting of academics and practical instruction on water safety and survival, military customs and courtesies, seamanship skills, first aid, firefighting and marksmanship. A major emphasis is also placed on physical fitness, health and wellness.
Schild and other recruits also received instruction on the Coast Guard’s core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty, and how to apply them in their military performance and personal conduct. Schild will join 36,000 other men and women who comprise the Coast Guard’s force.